OK, technically they weren't real clowns. They were decorations atop the garbage cans at a once well-known hot dog stand in Nashville called Houndogs. Chesney once worked at Houndogs when he was first gaining attention as a musician--as did numerous other country artists and songwriters, including Tim McGraw in his pre-"Indian Outlaw" days.

Houndogs was an infamous fast-food stand owned by a guy named Flash Flanagan that used to be located on Music Row. It was a popular stop for visitors to Nashville, including not just fans but celebrities and even presidents.

Many musicians played there for tips, too, on a small stage out front that according to country singer Jerry Mac (who's dubbed "The Number One George Jones Celebrity Impersonator in the Country") was "crudely built" and "about 5′ x 5′ in size." The singers attracted listeners, who in turn bought hot dogs.